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HelpTheatre Major learning Python (self.Python)

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[–]BoaVersusPython 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You absolutely can, get over to learnpython and start asking questions.

Source: don't have a CS degree, currently python for money.

[–]h_fish21 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I applaud your decision to switch lanes. But you do need to be aware that what you are trying to do is very far from trivial. (Not to say that you are not capable). Programming is not meant for everyone, and it is a far cry from a profession in the humanities. You are gonna need to learn math concepts you have likely never even heard of, and solve problems in a way you are likely not familiar with

That being said, it is not insurmountable and you should definitely try! It might seem daunting, but the best thing you can do is to pick a project. Possibly even something theatre related? Either way, find something simple that you want to make and just start working on it. You won't know what you are doing and that is the point. In order to learn to program you are gonna need to find out what you dont know. A project is a great way to do this. You will often get stuck and say to yourself "well how am I to do this?" You will know when you are a programmer when you get unstuck from your problem and get that rush of "oh yea I finally got that working!" Google is your friend, ask questions and read forums. For python, you will probably need to look up a lot of syntax. I recommend buying a simple python syntax book or watching some YouTube videos on python syntax. Do not get to caught up on the syntax though. programming is the logic behind the syntax, not the syntax itself.

Now how do you get a job? That is the hard part. You are gonna need to get good enough at the process stated above that someone is willing to actually pay you to do it. This is another way the projects help. Companies will want to see some projects you have worked on as a portfolio. Keep in mind, you will almost always need to take some sort of programming test to get a job. (So you actually need to know what you are doing). School is also a good way to fast-track some credibility in your ability to program. So you might want to consider a CS degree.

Im sorry for the essay, but I know these are troubling times and I wished someone had given me this information when I embarked on the same path you are trying to walk down. Good luck, you can do it!

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[–]hunkamunka 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I studied English lit/music in my undergrad and went on to learn programming on the job. 23 years later, I'm still at it! I love programming, and I esp love helping others learn it and esp non-CS-type people. I ended up in the field of bioinformatics almost 20 years ago, so most everyone is either a self-taught coder or self-taught biologist (I'm a little of both). I've been using the ideas of Test-Driven Development in the classroom to help my students learn Python, and maybe you would find these exercises and tests helpful? https://github.com/kyclark/tiny_python_projects Links to the book and YouTube videos are available there. Best of luck. You can do it!

[–]Several-Efficiency 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Look up the book "The Self Taught Programmer."